BIOT stands for British Indian Ocean Territory. It is a group of islands situated in the Indian Ocean, south of the Maldives archipelago. The British Indian Ocean Territory is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, and its governance is maintained by the British government.
Covering an area of approximately 54,000 square kilometers, BIOT consists of several coral atolls, including Diego Garcia, the largest and most populous island within the territory. The British Indian Ocean Territory is uninhabited by indigenous people, with the exception of military personnel and support staff who reside on Diego Garcia.
The territory has a unique legal status. It is not self-governing and does not have a permanent population. The administration and sovereignty of the islands are conducted by the UK, and it is primarily used as a military base by the United States and the United Kingdom. The United States maintains a large naval support facility on the island of Diego Garcia.
The establishment of BIOT resulted from the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965. Its controversial history includes the forced removal and displacement of the Chagossians, who originally inhabited the islands, in order to make way for the military installations.
BIOT is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse marine life, and its importance as a strategic military base. Efforts have been made by some groups to challenge the territory's administration and advocate for the rights and resettlement of the Chagossians.
